Full House for a Night of Insight and Inspiration
On April 4, 2025, the Azelhof in Lier transformed into a vibrant meeting ground for breeders and stallion owners, hosting the much-anticipated Breeders Café. The event, organized by PaardenPunt Vlaanderen and Belgian Horse Hub, drew a full house of enthusiasts eager to gain insights from leading figures in the Flemish breeding community.
The evening featured three engaging panel discussions, each spotlighting a distinct group of stallion owners. Moderated by Frederik De Backer, the sessions delved into various facets of horse breeding, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and perspectives.
Please note: The following videos are in Dutch.
Panel 1: Traditional Stallion Owners
This session brought together seasoned stallion owners who shared their experiences and philosophies, highlighting the evolution of breeding practices and the enduring values that continue to shape the industry.
- Eric Dekens – Hengstenhouderij Dekens
- Erik De Winter – Het Netehof
- Maarten Brondeel – Stoeterij De Breemeerse
- Yves Vanaken – Belgian Quarter Horse Association (BQHA)
Yves Vanaken offered a unique glimpse into the Quarter Horse scene, where breeding practices and market dynamics differ significantly from those in the showjumping world.
Panel 2: Sport Stables with Stallion Services
Representing the dynamic intersection of competitive sport and breeding, this panel included:
- Stijn Vandersteen – Stud 111
- Christoph Verheyen – Karel Cox Stallions
- Isabel De Rycker – Loheky Stables
Discussions centered on integrating high-performance sport with breeding programs, addressing challenges, and sharing strategies for success in both arenas.
Panel 3: Legendary Stallion Owners
This esteemed group of stallion owners has left an indelible mark on the breeding world:
- Stephan Conter – Stephex Stables
- Joris De Brabander – Stal De Muze
- Luc Tilleman – T&L
- Hubert Hamerlinck – Stoeterij Van de Heffinck
The legends shared their journeys, insights into breeding excellence, and visions for the future, inspiring the next generation of breeders.
